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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Travel

Ten unforgettable travel experiences for adventure enthusiasts

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If you’re looking for something a little more unusual than your standard beach getaway, why not push the boat out and book one of these bespoke travel experiences instead? Discover Europe by luxury campervan, embark on a sustainable safari or ski underneath the Northern Lights.

Experience the magic of a sustainable safari

Ishara Mara eco-resort is set in a secluded location within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, surrounded by lush, indigenous forest and directly overlooking the Talek River, where giraffes, elephants, hippos and other wildlife are often spotted. Ishara Mara consists of 10 luxury, river-facing tented suites, each one allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature. Experience one of Africa’s biodiversity hotspots up close, while enjoying a number of exciting activities.

The resort offers the Canon Brand Experience Centre, providing guests with complimentary cameras and lenses, overseen by resident professionals, that allow guests to perfectly capture their surroundings and create memories that will last forever. The resort is fully sustainable, too, utilising off-grid solar power, while water is harvested from rainwater. And when you want to chill out, take advantage of the elevated spa, gym and infinity pool. Find out more by emailing info@ishara.ke.

Book now at Ishara.ke

Book the ultimate safari adventure

For a safari experience like no other, look no further than True Travel. Designed to take you away from the crowds, its ethos is to provide “an expedition to observe animals in their natural habitat”. No trip is pre-made – each itinerary is fully personalised, allowing you to plan the trip of a lifetime, thanks to experienced location experts. See the “Big Five” up close in Africa on privately guided walking safaris, game drives, mokoro cruises and helicopter flights, or discover the magic of the Galápagos while swimming alongside sea lions, turtles and penguins.

Alternatively, enter the canopies of the Indian jungles and track the footsteps of the native Bengal tigers. True Travel’s bespoke safari adventures are your ticket to exploring the undiscovered edges of the Earth. Find out more by arranging a call on 02035 822 936 or visiting plan@true.travel.

Visit True.travel to book

Discover your next solo adventure

Pick an adrenaline-fuelled break spent cycling, walking or soaking up the local culture in any of over 100 countries. Explore offers different grades and paces of trip, allowing travellers to choose an itinerary that works for them. E-bike options, for example, are available on almost all cycling trips including ones to Spain, Vietnam and Croatia, meaning you can get some help on the hills and experience the joy of free-wheeling down the other side.

Big enough to find like-minded travellers and small enough to tread lightly and get under the skin of the place you’re in, the maximum group size is 16, but the average is around 11. Over 60 per cent of bookings are from solo travellers, and you can choose whether to share or pay a little extra for a room of your own. Book now and get £75 off your first adventure when you sign up to hear news and offers.

Find out more at Explore.co.uk/trip75

Take your home with you while you travel

Who’d have thought travelling by motorhome would become one of 2023’s hottest holiday trends? There are plenty of benefits, including the freedom to roam around as opposed to having to base yourself near pre-booked accommodation. Then there’s the convenience that comes with being able to take your home luxuries with you. If you’re looking to invest in your very own motorhome, be sure to check out Carthago.

The German company is one of the industry’s leading manufacturers, providing budding travellers with motorhomes that combine intelligent workmanship, a pioneering spirit and high-tech yet lightweight materials - in Cathargo’s words: “A unique vehicle concept through the Cathargo Premimum DNA.” Discover Carthago online or visit a local Carthago dealer to find your perfect motorhome today.

Find out more at Carthago.com

Enjoy optimum comfort on the road

A holiday in a van means pure freedom. And when you spend it in a Malibu Van, it then becomes a premium holiday.  Synonymous with quality, innovation and genius ideas, the brand, headquartered in Germany, boasts over 40 years of experience within the industry. What makes it different to other van companies, you ask?

With a number of added benefits, including sizeable storage compartments and high-quality furniture options, you can rest assured that your next caravan holiday will exude comfort and class. Join the brand on an exclusive tour through the Malibu Van comfort 600 DB model and let yourself get inspired.

Watch now at Youtube-nocookie.com

Embark on an African adventure

“Big Five” safaris, whitewater rafting, whale-watching and gorilla trekking – everything is possible on a tailor-made African adventure with Biggestleaf Travel. With strong networks in all East and Southern African safari destinations, from Cape Town to Kruger, the company boasts direct access to top private guides specialising in a range of adrenaline-inducing activities.

Passionate about conservation, key investors in the company were the principal producers of the Eye of the Pangolin documentary, which first drew the world’s attention to devastating pangolin trafficking. With a near-perfect rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot as well as an on-the-ground understanding of seasonality, animal migrations and reputable suppliers, Biggestleaf Travel makes exploring Africa easy.

Discover more at Biggestleaftravel.com

Level up your ski skills on a Finnish adventure

Want to explore the wonders of the Finnish wilderness? Spend a week Nordic ski-touring around the destination’s untouched forests with Side Tracked Adventures. In a small group, you’ll cross the untouched Finnish wilderness, skiing each day from hut to hut. No experience is needed, and as you gain confidence on the skis, you’ll begin exploring the arctic fjells and earning some of the best views in Lapland. Over the course of six days of skiing, travellers will get to experience sleeping in cabins in remote wilderness, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Being with an experienced wilderness guide, you can spend the evenings learning more about Finnish nature, the art of whittling and how to build the perfect fire. At the end of the week, having skied around 60 miles and experienced some extreme temperatures (which can be as low as -30C, so don’t forget to pack extra layers), you’ll be ready for a celebratory dinner, a nice Finnish sauna and maybe even an icy dip, if you’re feeling brave.

Book now for winter 2024 at Sidetrackedadventures.co.uk

Save holiday memories forever

Hold onto those cherished memories created with family and friends without the hefty price tag of a brand-new camera. At MPB.com, you can buy preowned camera equipment for a third less than new, so you can save money while capturing high-quality photos. Find the perfect compact camera setup for your trip from a wide range of options. Choose from some of the biggest camera brands, including Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifulm, and enjoy six-month warranty included.

As the largest global platform to buy, sell and trade used photo and video kit, it’s the simplest way to trade, upgrade and get paid for your kit. MPB has served more than 625,000 visual storytellers and every year recirculates more than 485,000 cameras, lenses and accessories. Get ready for summer travels with a used camera from MPB.

Explore the range today at Mpb.com

Enjoy the fresh Alpine summer air

Positioned high above the village of Zermatt, overlooked by the iconic Matterhorn, The Omnia Mountain Lodge boasts picturesque views of the Alps, as well as a host of luxury amenities throughout. The boutique hotel, designed by New York based architect Ali Tayar, is home to 30 rooms, including 12 suites, as well as a wellness centre with both indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and outdoor whirlpool with breathtaking views.

Offering individual treatments, perfectly measured to your needs, the lodge ensures guests finish their stay feeling totally calm and relaxed. Customer services is at the heart of Omnia Mountain Lodge, with the managing director having won the Hotelier of the Year 2023 Award. Don’t miss out and book your stay now. 

Find out more at The-omnia.com

Bask in the beauty of the Maldives

Discover the magic of the Maldivian archipelago with Secret Paradise Maldives. Snorkel coral reefs abundant with marine life, swim alongside manta rays and whale sharks, while contributing to data research for local marine life organisations. Travellers have the opportunity to explore remote islands scattered across the Maldivian archipelago through a variety of island-hopping adventures, while engaging with local communities, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of these islands.

Uncover mangroves and freshwater lakes, bask in the sun on secluded shores, and lose yourself in the islands’ untouched nature and tranquillity. Secret Paradise is your gateway to the Maldives, where adventure, nature, and culture intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Save 10 per cent on guided tours in 2024 (valid until 30 November 2023) by contact sales@secretparadise.mv andd quoting “TOURS24”.

Visit secretparadise.mv for more

This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with the latest trends surrounding health and fitness, food and drink, homes and gardens, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.

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